Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous Their first statement signing to launch the project was the €42m purchase of the lanky and languorous Argentine playmaker. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 2 June 2026 But, for those looking for something a bit more low-key with the languorous pace of the south, there’s always Puglia. — Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 18 May 2026 In conversation, Cornish-Dale is cocky but likable, with a languorous way of speaking that reminded me of Simon Cowell. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • Armani’s languid silhouette soon seduced red- and blue-blooded men the world over.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Shafee operates in a languid, free-form zone throughout, trading his funky licks for loose, spacious lines and tolling, repetitive chords.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • With his team facing fourth-and-3, his deficit at 21-7 early in the third quarter and his offense teetering between flat and listless, Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski stood on the sideline, eyed his players and clapped his hands.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The Chargers, meantime, opened with three losses for the first time since 2017, and feature a listless, sputtering offense that lacks finish under first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But that somewhat lackadaisical attitude has also caught him some heat.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Most importantly, you guys are being very lackadaisical about a situation that is imminent.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Even more popular when, instead of a tired old video tribute — hats off to the Jackets for reading the room on this one — the arena cameras went straight to Marchenko during the next stoppage.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Murray says her own experience has made her more understanding when female colleagues seem more tired or irritable than usual, particularly when the behavior is out of character.
    — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The buck, tongue lolling, looked exhausted from chasing and breeding his doe.
    — Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026
  • If a year in, the founder is still in every meeting and the new hire is the most exhausted person in the building, the company did not hire an operator.
    — Ken Paskins, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Plus, trapping steam beneath the foil can cause crispy skin to go limp.
    — Julie Harans, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Layton was reportedly blue and limp, and Ryker had no heart rate and had to be resuscitated.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, angry residents continue to flood once-sleepy municipal board meetings, pressuring officials to reject data center proposals.
    — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • What was once a boring, sleepy issue where the PUC made decisions more or less in a vacuum is no longer the case.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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